WASHINGTON, DC—Young environmentalists are our next generation of leaders, and the future is bright. The annual Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest celebrates creative elementary school students and their growing passion for nature. 

The Conservation Education program is pleased to announce that Ella Hampshire is the winner of this year’s poster contest. Ella’s artwork features Smokey’s wise message: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires. 

Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, the graduating 5th grader from Howard Driggs Elementary takes home the national grand prize. Only 11 years old, this isn’t Ella’s first entry to this poster contest. Since this was her last opportunity to participate, she went above and beyond.

Her detailed drawing depicts Smokey standing in front of a lush green forest, but in the distance is a reminder that wildfires are a real and dangerous threat. Her artwork reminds us that we all have a responsibility to protect our nature and prevent wildfires from decimating beautiful ecosystems. It captured the attention of Forest Service employees, making her the grand prize winner of the year. 

Just like Ella, there are other budding environmental activists across the country who participated in our contest. Their work reminds us of the next generation who will help protect the environment for years to come. Congratulations to the other national winners who competed for the national grand prize. 

• 1st grade: Sabrina Reiser from Salt Lake City, UT 
• 2nd grade: Alonso Villar from Fort Worth, TX 
• 3rd grade: Aashvi Pankh from Evans, GA 
• 4th grade: Zynlee Ard from Screven, GA

These students, and the others who participated in the contest, make Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl proud.